Richard Gilpin facts for kids

Richard Gilpin

Richard Gilpin (1625–1700) was an important English minister and doctor. He was known for his work in the northern part of England. He was a "nonconformist," which means he did not follow the official rules of the Church of England during his time.

Richard Gilpin's Life Story

Richard Gilpin was born in Strickland, Westmorland, on October 23, 1625. He was the second son of Isaac Gilpin and Ann Tonstall. He went to the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. There, he first studied medicine and then changed to study divinity, which is about religious matters. He earned his master's degree in 1646.

Early Ministry and Work

Gilpin began his work as a minister in Lambeth and then at the Savoy Hospital in London. Later, he moved back north to preach in Durham. In 1652 or 1653, he became the minister at Greystoke in Cumberland. This area had four smaller chapels, and Gilpin made sure they all had preachers. He organized his church like a community, with a core group of members and helpers called deacons.

In 1653, Gilpin helped create a group for churches in Cumberland and Westmorland. This group helped ministers work together. He also often gave medical advice to the people in his church, showing he cared for their health as well as their spirits. He bought a large property called Scaleby Castle, which gave him an important position in the county. He was also chosen to be a Visitor for Durham College.

Challenges and Moving to Newcastle

After the king returned to power in England (this was called the English Restoration), Richard Gilpin was a very important religious leader. He was even offered the chance to become the Bishop of Carlisle, but he said no. In 1661, he left his position at Greystoke and moved to Scaleby Castle. There, he continued to preach in his large hall.

Soon after, a law called the Uniformity Act of 1662 was passed. This law made it harder for nonconformist ministers like Gilpin to preach. But Gilpin did not stop. He moved to Newcastle upon Tyne to lead a church there. He ignored laws like the Conventicle Acts (1664, 1670) and the Five Mile Act (1665), which tried to stop nonconformist meetings. He was fined several times for holding religious gatherings, but he kept going.

In Newcastle, Gilpin also became a successful doctor. He earned his medical degree from Leiden University in 1676. He was a powerful speaker, and many different kinds of people came to hear him preach. Richard Gilpin passed away on February 13, 1700.

Richard Gilpin's Writings

Richard Gilpin wrote several books and sermons during his life. These works shared his religious ideas and experiences.

• The Agreement of the Associated Ministers and Churches of Cumberland and Westmerland (1646): This book was about how the churches in his area agreed to work together.
• The Temple Rebuilt (1658): This was a sermon he gave to the associated ministers.
• Disputatio Medica Inauguralis de Hysterica Passione (1676): This was his medical paper when he earned his doctor's degree.
• Dæmonologia Sacra; or, a Treatise of Satan's Temptations (1677): This book was about religious experiences and how people deal with challenges.
• The Comforts of Divine Love (1700): This was a sermon he gave at a funeral.
• An Assize Sermon … at Carlisle (1700): This sermon was preached in 1660 but published after he died.

Richard Gilpin's Family

Richard Gilpin was married twice. His second wife, Susanna Brisco, lived longer than he did. They had many children:

• William (born 1657): He became a recorder (a legal official) in Carlisle and was interested in art and old things. His daughter, Susanna Appleby, was also interested in history and helped dig up an old Roman bathhouse in 1741.
• Isaac (born 1658)
• Susanna (born 1659): She married Matthias Partis.
• Anne (born 1660): She married Jeremiah Sawrey.
• Elizabeth (born 1662)
• Richard (born 1664): He died when he was young.
• Mary (born 1666)
• Dorothy (born 1668): She married two doctors, Jabez Cay and Eli Fenton.
• John (born 1670): He was a merchant and made a lot of money trading with Virginia.
• Frances (born 1671): She died when she was young.
• Bernard (born 1672): He died young in Jamaica.
• Frances (born 1675): She died when she was young.
• Thomas (born 1677)